Gas turbine engine airfoil

ABSTRACT

An airfoil for a turbine engine includes pressure and suction sides that extend in a radial direction from a 0% span position at an inner flow path location to a 100% span position at an airfoil tip. The airfoil has a relationship between a stacking offset and a span position that is at least a third order polynomial curve that includes at least one positive and negative slope. The positive slope leans aftward and the negative slope leans forward relative to an engine axis. The positive slope crosses an initial axial stacking offset corresponding to the 0% span position at a zero-crossing position. A first axial stacking offset X 1  is provided from the zero-crossing position to a negative-most value on the curve. A second axial stacking offset X 2  is provided from the zero-crossing position to a positive-most value on the curve. A ratio of the second to first axial stacking offset X 2 /X 1  is less than 2.0.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/625,413 filed Feb. 18, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/941,781, which was filed on Feb. 19, 2014 and is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to an airfoil for gas turbine engines, and more particularly to a gas turbine engine fan or compressor blade, and a relationship between an axial stacking offset relative to span.

A turbine engine such as a gas turbine engine typically includes a fan section, a compressor section, a combustor section and a turbine section. Air entering the compressor section is compressed and delivered into the combustor section where it is mixed with fuel and ignited to generate a high-speed exhaust gas flow. The high-speed exhaust gas flow expands through the turbine section to drive the compressor and the fan section. The compressor section typically includes low and high pressure compressors, and the turbine section includes low and high pressure turbines.

The propulsive efficiency of a gas turbine engine depends on many different factors, such as the design of the engine and the resulting performance debits on the fan that propels the engine. As an example, the fan may rotate at a high rate of speed such that air passes over the fan airfoils at transonic or supersonic speeds. The fast-moving air creates flow discontinuities or shocks that result in irreversible propulsive losses. Additionally, physical interaction between the fan and the air causes downstream turbulence and further losses. Although some basic principles behind such losses are understood, identifying and changing appropriate design factors to reduce such losses for a given engine architecture has proven to be a complex and elusive task.

SUMMARY

In one exemplary embodiment, an airfoil for a turbine engine includes pressure and suction sides that extend in a radial direction from a 0% span position at an inner flow path location to a 100% span position at an airfoil tip. The airfoil has a relationship between a stacking offset and a span position that is at least a third order polynomial curve that includes at least one positive and negative slope. The positive slope leans aftward and the negative slope leans forward relative to an engine axis. The positive slope crosses an initial axial stacking offset corresponding to the 0% span position at a zero-crossing position. A first axial stacking offset X1 is provided from the zero-crossing position to a negative-most value on the curve. A second axial stacking offset X2 is provided from the zero-crossing position to a positive-most value on the curve. A ratio of the second to first axial stacking offset X2/X1 is less than 2.0.

In a further embodiment of the above, the curve has at least one critical and one inflection point.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the airfoil extends from a root. A zero axial stacking offset corresponds to axial center of the root.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the curve has an initial negative slope.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, a critical point is in the range of 25-50% span and provides the negative-most value.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the critical point is in the range of 35-45% span.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the ratio of the second to first axial stacking offset increases as a span position for the zero-crossing position decreases.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the zero-crossing point is in the range of 65-75% span position.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the critical point has a Rd/Xd in a range of −26 to −28.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the zero-crossing point is in the range of 50-60% span position.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the critical point has a Rd/Xd in a range of −21 to −24.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the zero-crossing point is in the range of 70-80% span position. The critical point has a Rd/Xd in a range of −33 to −37.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, a second critical point is the positive-most value. The second critical point has a Rd/Xd in a range of 38 to 42.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the positive slope extends from the critical point to the inflection point at a first rate. An ending slope extends to the 100% span position. The ending slope has a second rate that is less than the first rate or negative.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the 100% span position on the positive slope provides the positive-most value.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the 100% span position has a Rd/Xd in a range of 43 to 46.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the 100% span position has a Rd/Xd in a range of 58 to 62.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the airfoil is in one of a fan section, a compressor section, and a turbine section

In a further embodiment of any of the above, a ratio of the second to first axial stacking offset X2/X1 is less than one. A ratio of the second to first axial stacking offset X2/X1 is less than one half.

In another exemplary embodiment, a gas turbine engine includes a combustor section arranged between a compressor section and a turbine section. A fan section has an array of twenty-six or fewer fan blades. The fan section has a low fan pressure ratio of less than 1.55. A geared architecture couples the fan section to the turbine section or the compressor section. The fan blades include an airfoil that has pressure and suction sides. The airfoil extends in a radial direction from a 0% span position at an inner flow path location to a 100% span position at an airfoil tip. The airfoil has a relationship between a stacking offset and a span position that is at least a third order polynomial curve that includes at least one positive and negative slope. The positive slope leans aftward and the negative slope leans forward relative to an engine axis. The positive slope crosses an initial axial stacking offset corresponding to the 0% span position at a zero-crossing position. A first axial stacking offset X1 is provided from the zero-crossing position to a negative-most value on the curve. A second axial stacking offset X2 is provided from the zero-crossing position to a positive-most value on the curve. A ratio of the second to first axial stacking offset X2/X1 is less than 2.0.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure can be further understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a gas turbine engine embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a portion of a fan section.

FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fan section.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view a fan blade taken along line 2C-2C in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 3A is a schematic view of fan blade span positions.

FIG. 3B is a schematic view of a cross-section of a fan blade section at a particular span position and its axial stacking offset.

FIG. 4A illustrates a relationship between an axial stacking offset and a span position for a set of first example airfoils.

FIG. 4B illustrates a relationship between an axial stacking offset and a span position for a set of second example airfoils.

FIG. 4C illustrates a relationship between an axial stacking offset and a span position for a set of third example airfoils.

The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a gas turbine engine 20. The gas turbine engine 20 is disclosed herein as a two-spool turbofan that generally incorporates a fan section 22, a compressor section 24, a combustor section 26 and a turbine section 28. Alternative engines might include an augmenter section (not shown) among other systems or features. The fan section 22 drives air along a bypass flow path B in a bypass duct defined within a nacelle 15, while the compressor section 24 drives air along a core flow path C for compression and communication into the combustor section 26 then expansion through the turbine section 28. Although depicted as a two-spool turbofan gas turbine engine in the disclosed non-limiting embodiment, it should be understood that the concepts described herein are not limited to use with two-spool turbofans as the teachings may be applied to other types of turbine engines including three-spool architectures. That is, the disclosed airfoils may be used for engine configurations such as, for example, direct fan drives, or two- or three-spool engines with a speed change mechanism coupling the fan with a compressor or a turbine sections.

The exemplary engine 20 generally includes a low speed spool 30 and a high speed spool 32 mounted for rotation about an engine central longitudinal axis X relative to an engine static structure 36 via several bearing systems 38. It should be understood that various bearing systems 38 at various locations may alternatively or additionally be provided, and the location of bearing systems 38 may be varied as appropriate to the application.

The low speed spool 30 generally includes an inner shaft 40 that interconnects a fan 42, a first (or low) pressure compressor 44 and a first (or low) pressure turbine 46. The inner shaft 40 is connected to the fan 42 through a speed change mechanism, which in exemplary gas turbine engine 20 is illustrated as a geared architecture 48 to drive the fan 42 at a lower speed than the low speed spool 30. The high speed spool 32 includes an outer shaft 50 that interconnects a second (or high) pressure compressor 52 and a second (or high) pressure turbine 54. A combustor 56 is arranged in exemplary gas turbine 20 between the high pressure compressor 52 and the high pressure turbine 54. A mid-turbine frame 57 of the engine static structure 36 is arranged generally between the high pressure turbine 54 and the low pressure turbine 46. The mid-turbine frame 57 further supports bearing systems 38 in the turbine section 28. The inner shaft 40 and the outer shaft 50 are concentric and rotate via bearing systems 38 about the engine central longitudinal axis X which is collinear with their longitudinal axes.

The core airflow is compressed by the low pressure compressor 44 then the high pressure compressor 52, mixed and burned with fuel in the combustor 56, then expanded over the high pressure turbine 54 and low pressure turbine 46. The mid-turbine frame 57 includes airfoils 59 which are in the core airflow path C. The turbines 46, 54 rotationally drive the respective low speed spool 30 and high speed spool 32 in response to the expansion. It will be appreciated that each of the positions of the fan section 22, compressor section 24, combustor section 26, turbine section 28, and fan drive gear system 48 may be varied. For example, gear system 48 may be located aft of combustor section 26 or even aft of turbine section 28, and fan section 22 may be positioned forward or aft of the location of gear system 48.

The engine 20 in one example is a high-bypass geared aircraft engine. In a further example, the engine 20 bypass ratio is greater than about six (6), with an example embodiment being greater than about ten (10), the geared architecture 48 is an epicyclic gear train, such as a planetary gear system or other gear system, with a gear reduction ratio of greater than about 2.3 and the low pressure turbine 46 has a pressure ratio that is greater than about five. In one disclosed embodiment, the engine 20 bypass ratio is greater than about ten (10:1), the fan diameter is significantly larger than that of the low pressure compressor 44, and the low pressure turbine 46 has a pressure ratio that is greater than about five (5:1). Low pressure turbine 46 pressure ratio is pressure measured prior to inlet of low pressure turbine 46 as related to the pressure at the outlet of the low pressure turbine 46 prior to an exhaust nozzle. The geared architecture 48 may be an epicyclic gear train, such as a planetary gear system or other gear system, with a gear reduction ratio of greater than about 2.3:1. It should be understood, however, that the above parameters are only exemplary of one embodiment of a geared architecture engine and that the present invention is applicable to other gas turbine engines including direct drive turbofans.

The example gas turbine engine includes the fan 42 that comprises in one non-limiting embodiment less than about twenty-six (26) fan blades. In another non-limiting embodiment, the fan section 22 includes less than about twenty (20) fan blades. Moreover, in one disclosed embodiment the low pressure turbine 46 includes no more than about six (6) turbine rotors schematically indicated at 34. In another non-limiting example embodiment the low pressure turbine 46 includes about three (3) turbine rotors. A ratio between the number of fan blades 42 and the number of low pressure turbine rotors is between about 3.3 and about 8.6. The example low pressure turbine 46 provides the driving power to rotate the fan section 22 and therefore the relationship between the number of turbine rotors 34 in the low pressure turbine 46 and the number of blades 42 in the fan section 22 disclose an example gas turbine engine 20 with increased power transfer efficiency.

A significant amount of thrust is provided by the bypass flow B due to the high bypass ratio. The fan section 22 of the engine 20 is designed for a particular flight condition—typically cruise at about 0.8 Mach and about 35,000 feet. The flight condition of 0.8 Mach and 35,000 ft, with the engine at its best fuel consumption—also known as “bucket cruise Thrust Specific Fuel Consumption (‘TSFC’)”—is the industry standard parameter of lbm of fuel being burned divided by lbf of thrust the engine produces at that minimum point. “Low fan pressure ratio” is the pressure ratio across the fan blade alone, without a Fan Exit Guide Vane (“FEGV”) system. The low fan pressure ratio as disclosed herein according to one non-limiting embodiment is less than about 1.55. In another non-limiting embodiment the low fan pressure ratio is less than about 1.52. In another non-limiting embodiment the low fan pressure ratio is less than about 1.50. In another non-limiting embodiment the low fan pressure ratio is less than about 1.48. In another non-limiting embodiment the low fan pressure ratio is less than about 1.46. In another non-limiting embodiment the low fan pressure ratio is less than about 1.44. In another non-limiting embodiment the low fan pressure ratio is from 1.1 to 1.45. “Low corrected fan tip speed” is the actual fan tip speed in ft/sec divided by an industry standard temperature correction of [(Tram ° R)/(518.7° R)]^(0.5). The “Low corrected fan tip speed” as disclosed herein according to one non-limiting embodiment is less than about 1200 ft/second.

Referring to FIG. 2A-2C, the fan blade 42 is supported by a fan hub 60 that is rotatable about the axis X. Each fan blade 42 includes an airfoil 64 extending in a radial span direction R from a root 62 to a tip 66. A 0% span position corresponds to a section of the airfoil 64 at the inner flow path (e.g., a platform), and a 100% span position corresponds to a section of the airfoil 64 at the tip 66.

The root 62 is received in a correspondingly shaped slot in the fan hub 60. The airfoil 64 extends radially outward of the platform, which provides the inner flow path. The platform may be integral with the fan blade or separately secured to the fan hub, for example. A spinner 66 is supported relative to the fan hub 60 to provide an aerodynamic inner flow path into the fan section 22.

The airfoil 64 has an exterior surface 76 providing a contour that extends from a leading edge 68 aftward in a chord-wise direction H to a trailing edge 70, as shown in FIG. 2C. Pressure and suction sides 72, 74 join one another at the leading and trailing edges 68, 70 and are spaced apart from one another in an airfoil thickness direction T. An array of the fan blades 42 are positioned about the axis X in a circumferential or tangential direction Y. Any suitable number of fan blades may be used in a given application.

The exterior surface 76 of the airfoil 64 generates lift based upon its geometry and directs flow along the core flow path C. The fan blade 42 may be constructed from a composite material, or an aluminum alloy or titanium alloy, or a combination of one or more of these. Abrasion-resistant coatings or other protective coatings may be applied to the fan blade 42.

One characteristic of fan blade performance relates to the fan blade's axial stacking offset (X direction) relative to a particular span position (R direction). Referring to FIG. 3A, span positions are schematically illustrated from 0% to 100% in 10% increments. Each section at a given span position is provided by a conical cut that corresponds to the shape of the core flow path, as shown by the large dashed lines. In the case of a fan blade with an integral platform, the 0% span position corresponds to the radially innermost location where the airfoil meets the fillet joining the airfoil to the platform. In the case of a fan blade without an integral platform, the 0% span position corresponds to the radially innermost location where the discrete platform meets the exterior surface of the airfoil. In addition to varying with span, axial stacking offset varies between a hot, running condition and a cold, static (“on the bench”) condition.

The X_(CG) corresponds to the location of the center of gravity for a particular section at a given span location relative to a reference point 80 in the X direction, as shown in FIG. 3B. The center of gravity assumes a homogenous material. The reference point 80 is the axial center of the root, and X_(d) corresponds to the axial distance from the reference point 80 to the center of gravity. A positive X is on the aft side of reference point 80, and a negative X is on the forward side of the reference point 80. A positive slope is where the leading edge leans aftward, and a negative slope is where the leading edge leans forward relative to the engine's axis X. The inflection points are indicated by an “x” on the curve.

The axial stacking offset X_(d) may be expressed as an axial stacking offset ratio R_(d)/X_(d), which is the ratio of the radial distance R_(d) to a given span position, where R_(d) is the radial distance from hub's rotational axis X to the tip of the leading edge 68, divided by the axial distance X_(d). R_(d) as disclosed herein according to one non-limiting embodiment is about 35-37 inches (0.89-0.94 meters). In another non-limiting embodiment R_(d) is about 27-29 inches (0.69-0.74 meters). In another non-limiting embodiment R_(d) is about 39-41 inches (0.99-1.04 meters). One example prior art airfoil has an R_(d) of about 57-59 inches (1.45-1.50 meters).

Example relationships between the axial stacking offset and the span position (% AVE SPAN), which is the average of the radial position at the leading and trailing edges 68, 70, are shown in FIGS. 4A-4C for several example fan blades, each represented by a curve. Only one curve in each graph is discussed for simplicity. Each relationship is at least a third order polynomial curve that includes at least one positive and negative slope. In one example, the curve has at least one inflection and one critical point. The curve initially has a negative slope and then transitions to a positive slope at a critical point in the range of 25-50% span. In the examples, the critical point is in the range of about 35-45% span. The critical point provides a negative-most value. The positive slope crosses an initial axial stacking offset corresponding to the 0% span position at a zero-crossing position (92 in FIG. 4A; 98 in FIG. 4B; 104 in FIG. 4C).

A first axial stacking offset is provided from the zero-crossing position to the negative-most value on the curve (X1). A second axial stacking offset is provided from the zero-cros sing position to a positive-most value on the curve (X2). The ratio of the second to first axial stacking offset X2/X1 increases as a span position for the zero-crossing position decreases. A ratio of the second to first axial stacking offset X2/X1 is between 1.5 and 2.0 or less than 1.4, which provides a less dramatic aftward-facing hook at the tip of the blade than some prior art geometries. In another example the ratio is less than one, and in another example the ratio is less than one half. Example prior art stacking offset ratios are 1.44 or greater than 2.0.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the curve has an initial negative slope to a critical point 90 in the range of 35-45% span, and in one example, around 40% span. The critical point 90 has an R_(d)/X_(d) in the range of −26 to −28. The positive slope extends from the critical point 90 to an inflection point 94 at a first rate. An ending slope extends to the 100% span position from the inflection point 94. The ending slope having a second rate that is less than the first rate. The positive slope includes a zero-crossing point 92 in the range of 65-75% span position. The ratio of the second to first axial stacking offset X2 _(A)/X1 _(A) is around 0.6. At the 100% span location, the axial stacking offset ratio R_(d)/X_(d) is in the range of 43 to 46. The 100% span position on the positive slope provides the positive-most value.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the curve has an initial negative slope to a critical point 96 in the range of 30-40% span, and in one example, around 35% span. The critical point 96 has an R_(d)/X_(d) in the range of −21 to −24. The positive slope extends from the critical point 96 to an inflection point 100 at a first rate. An ending slope extends to the 100% span position from the second inflection point 100. The ending slope having a second rate that is less than the first rate. The positive slope includes a zero-crossing point 98 in the range of 75-85% span position. The ratio of the second to first axial stacking offset X2 _(B)/X1 _(B) is around 0.4. At the 100% span location, the axial stacking offset ratio R_(d)/X_(d) is in the range of 58 to 62. The 100% span position on the positive slope provides the positive-most value.

Referring to FIG. 4C, the curve has an initial negative slope to a first critical point 102 in the range of 30-40% span, and in one example, around 35% span. The first critical point 102 has an R_(d)/X_(d) in the range of −33 to −37. The positive slope extends from the first critical point 102 to an inflection point 106 and a second critical point 108 that provides the positive-most value. An ending slope extends to the 100% span position from the second critical point 108. The ending slope having a second rate that is negative. The positive slope includes a zero-crossing point 104 in the range of 55-65% span position. The ratio of the second to first axial stacking offset X2 _(C)/X1 _(C) is around 1.5. At the 100% span location, the axial stacking offset ratio R_(d)/X_(d) is in the range of 38 to 42.

The axial stacking offset is a is a hot, running condition along the span of the airfoils 64 relate to the contour of the airfoil and provide necessary fan operation in cruise at the lower, preferential speeds enabled by the geared architecture 48 in order to enhance aerodynamic functionality and thermal efficiency. As used herein, the hot, running condition is the condition during cruise of the gas turbine engine 20. For example, the axial stacking offsets in the hot, running condition can be determined in a known manner using numerical analysis, such as finite element analysis.

It should also be understood that although a particular component arrangement is disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, other arrangements will benefit herefrom. For example, the disclosed airfoil may be used in any one of a fan section, a compressor section, and a turbine section. Although particular step sequences are shown, described, and claimed, it should be understood that steps may be performed in any order, separated or combined unless otherwise indicated and will still benefit from the present invention.

Although the different examples have specific components shown in the illustrations, embodiments of this invention are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from one of the examples in combination with features or components from another one of the examples.

Although an example embodiment has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of the claims. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An airfoil for a turbine engine comprising: pressure and suction sides extending in a radial direction from a 0% span position at an inner flow path location to a 100% span position at an airfoil tip, wherein the airfoil has a relationship between a stacking offset and a span position that is at least a third order polynomial curve that includes at least one positive and negative slope, the positive slope leans aftward and the negative slope leans forward relative to an engine axis, wherein the positive slope crosses an initial axial stacking offset corresponding to the 0% span position at a zero-crossing position, a first axial stacking offset X1 is provided from the zero-crossing position to a negative-most value on the curve, a second axial stacking offset X2 is provided from the zero-crossing position to a positive-most value on the curve, a ratio of the second to first axial stacking offset X2/X1 is less than 2.0.
 2. The airfoil according to claim 1, wherein the curve has at least one critical and one inflection point.
 3. The airfoil according to claim 2, wherein the airfoil extends from a root, and a zero axial stacking offset corresponds to axial center of the root.
 4. The airfoil according to claim 2, wherein the curve has an initial negative slope.
 5. The airfoil according to claim 4, wherein a critical point is in the range of 25-50% span and provides the negative-most value.
 6. The airfoil according to claim 5, wherein the critical point is in the range of 35-45% span.
 7. The airfoil according to claim 5, wherein the ratio of the second to first axial stacking offset increases as a span position for the zero-crossing position decreases.
 8. The airfoil according to claim 7, wherein the zero-crossing point is in the range of 65-75% span position.
 9. The airfoil according to claim 8, wherein the critical point has a R_(d)/X_(d) in a range of −26 to −28.
 10. The airfoil according to claim 7, wherein the zero-crossing point is in the range of 50-60% span position.
 11. The airfoil according to claim 10, wherein the critical point has a R_(d)/X_(d) in a range of −21 to −24.
 12. The airfoil according to claim 7, wherein the zero-crossing point is in the range of 70-80% span position, and wherein the critical point has a R_(d)/X_(d) in a range of −33 to −37.
 13. The airfoil according to claim 5, wherein a second critical point is the positive-most value, and wherein the second critical point has a R_(d)/X_(d) in a range of 38 to
 42. 14. The airfoil according to claim 5, wherein the positive slope extends from the critical point to the inflection point at a first rate, an ending slope extends to the 100% span position, the ending slope having a second rate that is less than the first rate or negative.
 15. The airfoil according to claim 14, wherein the 100% span position has a R_(d)/X_(d) in a range of 43 to
 46. 16. The airfoil according to claim 14, wherein the 100% span position has a R_(d)/X_(d) in a range of 58 to
 62. 17. The airfoil according to claim 5, wherein the 100% span position on the positive slope provides the positive-most value.
 18. The airfoil according to claim 1, wherein the airfoil is in one of a fan section, a compressor section, and a turbine section.
 19. The airfoil according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of the second to first axial stacking offset X2/X1 is less than one.
 20. A gas turbine engine comprising: a combustor section arranged between a compressor section and a turbine section; a fan section having an array of twenty-six or fewer fan blades, wherein the fan section has a low fan pressure ratio of less than 1.55; a geared architecture coupling the fan section to the turbine section or the compressor section; and wherein the fan blades include an airfoil having pressure and suction sides, the airfoil extends in a radial direction from a 0% span position at an inner flow path location to a 100% span position at an airfoil tip, wherein the airfoil has a relationship between a stacking offset and a span position that is at least a third order polynomial curve that includes at least one positive and negative slope, the positive slope leans aftward and the negative slope leans forward relative to an engine axis, wherein the positive slope crosses an initial axial stacking offset corresponding to the 0% span position at a zero-crossing position, a first axial stacking offset X1 is provided from the zero-crossing position to a negative-most value on the curve, a second axial stacking offset X2 is provided from the zero-crossing position to a positive-most value on the curve, a ratio of the second to first axial stacking offset X2/X1 is less than 2.0. 